The doorbell rang suddenly.

One after another, the loud knocks were jarring.

This unexpected disturbance furrowed Uminari Manranyama's brow. His originally gentle gaze frosted over, and his sharp eyes fell upon the subordinate at the door. Without uttering a word, members of the family's guard immediately gathered by the entrance.

The door swung open.

It was not opened by someone inside the house, but rather by someone from outside who kicked it in with destructive force.

The intruder was a young man, approximately eighteen or nineteen years old, between a boy and a man... a mature young man.

He walked into the room with such ease and sense of entitlement that the guards did not even have time to decide how to handle him before he strode into the middle of the room.

The young man did not seem to have the slightest sense of restraint. He sat down on the nearest couch, glancing at the unconscious Ziongzong lying on it before surveying the surroundings. His expression was relaxed, and his speech flowed effortlessly.

"So many people here, such a lively atmosphere."

As he spoke, his gaze was fixed directly upon the owner of the house, Uminari Manranyama, as if there were only the two of them in the room.

But his gaze did not last long. The members of the family's guard immediately surrounded the young man, their towering heights completely cutting off his line of sight.

"No need for that. We both know each other's intentions. There's no need for these useless postures... Well, even though it might be just a burden, let me introduce myself. I am from Mirror Blossom, the unparalleled vassal."

The towering wall of obstructing gazes did not recede. It was only when Uminari Manranyama's voice sounded that a channel opened up.

"Isn't this one of the twin kings of Mirror Blossom? It's quite a rare guest."

Uminari Manranyama did not stand up, instead remaining seated as he conversed with Tang Mingtuo.

"Please... stop using that title. I really can't afford the burden."

The young man chuckled wryly and shook his head. Instead of standing up when Uminari Manranyama spoke, he adjusted his posture and sank further into the couch, as if he had no need to stand for Uminari Manranyama at all.

The atmosphere grew heavier, and the air became suffocating, like water, making it difficult for everyone to breathe, the oppressive weight clinging to their bodies.

Among them, Ito Tomono, who lacked experience, felt the most uncomfortable. She was immobilized by the tense atmosphere and wished to escape from the room immediately, but found herself unable to move a step.

This world was even more difficult to navigate than she had imagined.

She looked at Ziongzong, who was unconscious on the couch, feeling confused and unable to recall why she was standing here in the first place.

"I shouldn't have spoken to you with such arrogance, Mr. Manranyama."

Tang Mingtuo stood up, looking down on Uminari Manranyama as he spoke. "And besides, I'm not accustomed to talking like this with someone, perhaps it's better to stand."

"But, you were impolite first, and it's difficult for me to treat you politely in return."

Tang Mingtuo gave Uminari Manranyama a courteous smile and then glanced at Ziongzong on the couch.

"Although Jīmǐn hasn't been home for a long time, he is still a member of Mirror Blossom. Mr. Manranyama, without our consent, invited Jīmǐn to be a guest privately and somewhat forcefully. Isn't that a bit improper?"

Tang Mingtuo hadn't realized it before he said these words, but after seeing the change in the expressions of those around him, he immediately understood that he had made a mistake.

Although it was an insignificant mistake, it still made Tang Mingtuo feel a bit displeased.

— Have these lunatics really arrested Jīmǐn? I apologize. Our subordinates were too enthusiastic about welcoming a visitor from a foreign land, and I have neglected to discipline them. I'm truly sorry."

In response to this apology, Uminari Manranyama stood up as well. He was a head taller than Tang Mingtuo, and although he seemed very sincere, it was hard to feel his sincerity in the apology.-Is this the so-called dignity of a leader? It's really unpleasant.

Tang Mingtuo and Uminari Manranyama stared at each other.

"This is the first time I've heard this phrase, and I hope it will be the last time. Otherwise, the next person who comes won't be someone like me, but Mr. Bi'anyan himself.

"If Mr. Bi'anyan could come in person, I would be very welcome... of course, provided there is no hostility in the visit."

Tang Mingtuo chuckled in response.

"Well then, I'll take Xiong Zong with me."

Tang Mingtuo scooped up Xiong Zong and carried him on his shoulders, walking out of the room.

The room fell silent once again.

Uminari Manranyama's expressionless face, coupled with the dead silence in the room, made everyone too afraid to move an inch, make a sound, or even blink.

Uminari Manranyama let out a sigh and sat back in his chair.

"Forget it... just like this... everyone leave... except Bai Yaxin."

Bai Yaxin silently closed the door, then turned around to face Uminari Manranyama, waiting for instructions from the employer.

"Although it's irreversible at this point, we can't just ignore it... first of all, how did Shouchangzhiben know the location of Xiong Zong?"

Uminari Manranyama was referring to why the Shouchangzhiben knew the whereabouts of Xiong Zong.

"From the current intelligence, there should be members of Mirror Blossom at the Xia Men Xiangyu Wharf. Ito Kamiran has been captured by Wu Huanji for a while, so he might have been seen, and the news leaked."

Bai Yaxin answered cautiously.

"I see, as long as it didn't leak from within our organization, that's good."

"Forget it, there's no need to expect anything from this. Let the Ito father and daughter leave Wu Huanji's side. If this continues, a simple apology won't be able to resolve it."

"Then, what should be the course of action regarding Wu Huanji?"

"Let's put him aside for now. I don't know if his appearance here is his personal decision or Bi'anyan's arrangement. Before confirming this, let's not act recklessly."

"Understood."

"Also..."

"Is there anything else?"

"Canglian... no, at 8 o'clock tonight, have a review meeting. Notify everyone."

"Understood."

With Bai Yaxin leaving the room, the incident finally came to an end.

Uminari Manranyama sighed heavily in his chair.

Friction with Mirror Blossom sooner or later was something he had anticipated, but it came earlier than expected, which caught him off guard.

What really frustrated him was his daughter's situation.

Just now, he almost gave unnecessary instructions to Bai Yaxin.

In the world of business and fame, he had his own way of doing things, but when it came to his daughter, he didn't have enough confidence to educate her.

Whenever his daughter appeared in front of him, Uminari Manranyama couldn't help but think of the face of the woman who had passed away. They were so similar that the love he wanted to give to his daughter was no less than that woman's. However, it was precisely because of this that he became hesitant and dared not teach her personally. He could only rely on the help of others and hope for the potential of his daughter, hoping that she could grow up like him in adversity.

-If she were my daughter, I would get rid of Bai Yaxin and make her stand in front of me.

Souren Manranyama had no idea of Uminari Manranyama's inner thoughts. All she knew was a cold and ruthless father.

Tang Mingtuo carried Xiong Zong and left the mysterious building of the Manranyama family. It took a great effort to bring Xiong Zong back to the city. He found a restaurant to go into. The receptionist had seen many people coming in and getting drunk, being carried out, but it was the first time she saw someone being carried in, and she couldn't help but be surprised, before reacting."Excuse me..."

"For two."

Tang Mingtuo didn't even glance at her and walked straight towards the lobby.

"Alright, please follow me this way."

The waitress led Tang Mingtuo to a window-side table for two. Tang Mingtuo put the sleeping Ziongzong on the chair and helped him sit upright so he wouldn't slump over.

The waitress had intended to talk about ordering, but seeing that Tang Mingtuo was busy, she quietly retreated.

"Waitress, don't leave just yet."

However, contrary to what the waitress had guessed, Tang Mingtuo called her back.

"I want you to choose some light and easily palatable dishes for me. The quantity and specific dishes are up to you."

There probably hadn't been many people ordering so few dishes at this restaurant before.

"Alright, um... is there anything else you need?"

"No, also, the bill."

And just like that, Tang Mingtuo might be the first person in a hurry to pay.

"Now? Paying now...?"

"Mm."

"Okay... please wait a moment."

After dealing with these matters, Tang Mingtuo finally sat down properly and took a sip of water.

"It's been so long... ah... really, it's been such a long time since we last met. How long has it been, two years? Three years?"

Tang Mingtuo looked at Ziongzong's sleeping face and spoke to himself.

"All this time, what have you been up to? Besides those meaningless scams and cons, surely you have some achievements worth showing off?"

"Both the Dean and An Yu miss you a lot, but you've been so heartless, not even giving us any news."

Ziongzong gradually woke up, opened his eyes, and his dazed gaze met Tang Mingtuo's.

"Where is this... may I ask, who are you?"

Ziongzong wore a look of confusion, as if he had thought he was asleep at home but woke up somewhere else.

He felt that a big part of his mind was blank, like several pages were torn out of a diary that was otherwise filled. He knew that his memories were missing something important, and he couldn't even remember what he was doing before he woke up.

What's wrong with him?

But Tang Mingtuo didn't know Ziongzong's current state. He stared at Ziongzong for a while, looked away, took a sip of water, crossed his index fingers, leaned against the backrest, and his eyes carried a hint of regret.

"If you keep pretending to be clueless, I'll expose all your embarrassing incidents to An Yu, you know?"

Tang Mingtuo's tone was icy and firm, his indifference mixed with a threat as he tested the boy in front of him.

He knew he was Wayward Jingmin, but he also knew that the boy in front of him was not Wayward Jingmin at this moment.

In fact, his actions were meaningless. Perhaps, after so many years, he just wanted to see Wayward Jingmin again.

"I'm sorry... I don't quite understand... what are you talking about?"

Ziongzong didn't understand what Tang Mingtuo was saying at all. The words were incomprehensible. Why was he being called "clueless" and what were his "embarrassing incidents," and who was this "An Yu"?

More than all that, Ziongzong wanted to know what happened to himself and what that missing part of his memory was.

But the young man in front of him didn't seem to care about any of that.

Ziongzong could only shake his head helplessly, and the faint sense of threat from the unfamiliar young man made him become more guarded.

"I see... don't understand... so it has come to this..."

Tang Mingtuo covered his forehead with a wry smile, raised his head and looked at the ceiling. The bright light from the fluorescent tubes made his eyes squint, and a glimmer of tears welled up in the corners of his eyes, whether it was because of sadness or simply because the bright light was hurting his eyes.

He could see that the boy in front of him was not pretending. Everything he said was heartfelt.

That was why he was sad.

"Heh, hehehe, hahaha, Wayward Jingmin, you really don't hesitate to risk your memories just to escape from us, huh?"

"I'm sorry, I really don't understand what you're talking about... are you mistaking me for someone else?"The behavior of this unfamiliar man, Ziongzong, is confusing. Just moments ago, his words carried a threatening danger, but now, they seem casual and completely different.

"Yes, of course, I definitely made a mistake. Please don't mind my nonsensical rambling. I must be going mad."

"I suddenly don't feel like eating this food anymore. If you don't mind, please help me finish it so it doesn't go to waste."

"Well then, enjoy your meal. I'll take my leave... By the way, your friends are up there on the Yun Ding Rock. You'll understand when you go up."

"Lastly... It was nice meeting you."

Tang Mingtuo smiled at Ziongzong and left in large strides.

Ziongzong was left feeling empty, like all the energy had been drained from him, along with the meaningless food on the table.

That night, Ziongzong returned to Yun Ding Rock. Mayumi Araki and Sugi Yui, who saw his return, were both surprised. After all, Tang Mingtuo had impersonated Ziongzong's voice and called Mayumi Araki as a diversionary tactic.

When Mayumi Araki informed him that she had received a call from him, Ziongzong also mistakenly believed that he had indeed taken Ito Tomono to the airport, and planned to spend the night near the airport before returning.

But why did he rush back in the middle of the night? Was it because of the help from that unfamiliar young man?

Ziongzong couldn't figure it out, and had no clues to speculate with.

Since there was no way of knowing, he decided to just accept it.

Ziongzong didn't understand why he felt so negative, he only knew that he was extremely exhausted at the moment, both physically and mentally. It was not an exaggeration to say that his consciousness was blurred.

So, everyone went to sleep after washing up.

After a day of ups and downs, Ito Tomono was no longer in the training group, and within the group, no one knew the truth of what had happened.

The training continued smoothly thereafter. Although Ziongzong could never shake off his fatigue, he persisted until the end. Unfortunately, he still couldn't pass the test by Sugi Yui and didn't get the opportunity to practice archery.

During this period, both Sugi Yui and Katagiri Mai noticed that something was off with Ziongzong. Sugi Yui took the initiative to talk to him several times, but couldn't find the root of the problem. As for Katagiri Mai, she would occasionally look at Ziongzong with words on the tip of her tongue. Ziongzong understood that it was just her personality and realized her concern for him, but...

But he himself didn't know how to deal with this current situation.

In the end, the overseas training ended smoothly, and everyone returned to Kyoto together.

Since Sugi Yui and the coach had to discuss matters related to the competition, Ziongzong helped Sugi Yui bring her luggage back to the Sugi household first.

When he arrived home, only Sugita Taemono was there.

"I'm back, Uncle Taemono."

"Oh, Ziongzong, you're back earlier than you said on the phone."

"Earlier?"

"You didn't say you would come back late on the phone?"

"Late... Oh, I did mention that, but Yui asked me to bring the luggage back first..."

"Well~ it's not a bad thing to come back early. Yukino went out to buy daily necessities and will be back soon."

"Yuki is not here?"

"Yeah, she's staying overnight at the Kage family tonight. She said she has to write a report on observing earthworms on rainy days."

"I see... Then I'll go pack the luggage first."

If it were the usual Ziongzong, he would have been happy that the Sugi family was gradually becoming a normal family. But now, he couldn't muster any enthusiasm.

A feeling of fatigue, both physically and mentally, had been clinging to him since that day.

It was as if this body was not his own, but borrowed.

After tidying up and settling down, Ziongzong sat on the floor by the bed. The room was quiet, and he felt a sense of emptiness for no reason.

--It always feels like I've missed something very important.

Ziongzong stared at the ceiling, his suppressed emotions had nowhere to release.- But what exactly is it?

In the mind, jumbled thoughts scattered everywhere.

- Can't remember.

Might as well go to sleep.

- So tired.

And then, his consciousness sank into the whirlpool of memories, no longer resurfacing, losing control over this body.

Another consciousness rose to the surface.

This other him, at this moment, took control of the body instead of "Ziongzong", not by "seizing", but more accurately called "reclaiming".

- If we let "Ziongzong" continue to play like this, things will be difficult to salvage.

As the first experiment, it far exceeded the planned outstanding results, this personality called "Ziongzong".

In future actions, the relationships and lives created by the personality "Ziongzong" can all be utilized.

The gradually awakening origin considered this.

- After resting for so long, it's time to come out and deal with the situation.

Up to this point, the "Uesugi Ziongzong" that had been maintained for nearly three months was completely buried by its original owner, and the era of temporary agency has come to an end, the true ruler once again assuming power.

For this story, a new era has arrived.